John Cleese may be a funny guy — the “Monty Python” star remains a comedic icon — but his alimony payments are anything but amusing. The 74-year-old star is currently in the midst of paying a massive amount of alimony to one of his ex-wives. Cleese explains that he has, in fact, been forced to work overtime to meet his legal obligation.
The well-known comic had launched a traveling show called “The Alimony Tour” for a reason. Cleese has been ordered to pay his ex-wife upwards of $23 million in short order; the alimony payments must be made within seven years. Not only has the man been required to take on extra work, but he has also sold several properties. Cleese said he used to own five properties. Now, his real estate holdings have been whittled down to just a single asset.
Cleese divorced his wife in 2008 after being married for 16 years. That was the actor’s third marriage. A divorce agreement has stipulated that the man pay a lump $13 million sum in cash and assets. He must also pay the woman nearly $1 million annually through the year 2016.
Although you might think the alimony situation has put Cleese off of marriage entirely, you would be wrong. The comedian married his fourth wife in August 2012.
Issues with spousal support may occur during your Maryland divorce, though likely not on this scale. The fact is that even famous comedians must put extra effort into earning money so they can meet their legal obligations.
Alimony is a key part of many divorce decrees. People who are having difficulty making their monthly payments may be eligible for an alimony modification. Similarly, these modifications may be used after major changes in the beneficiary’s financial situation. Maryland family attorneys may be able to provide more information about legal options that may help clients realize a positive outcome for their own spousal support case.
Source: Huffington Post, “John Cleese’s Alimony Payments Are No Laughing Matter” No author given, Jan. 31, 2014
